Common Sense Media Review
By Jeffrey Anderson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Ethical questions, strong violence in intense horror.
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The Purge
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 33 parent reviews
Parents say the film features a unique premise that sparks conversations about morality and societal issues but is burdened by extreme violence and strong language that some viewers found excessive. While many appreciate the thrilling aspects and action of the story, others criticize it for poor logic and execution, suggesting it may not be suitable for younger viewers.
- unique premise
- extreme violence
- strong language
- thrilling aspects
- execution issues
Summarized with AI
Based on 178 kid reviews
Kids say the movie offers a mix of predictable storytelling and mild horror elements, with many reviewers noting the violence is not as severe compared to other films in the genre. Recommendations vary for who should watch it, with some suggesting it’s suitable for teens while others caution against its disturbing content and general lack of suspense or engagement.
- predictable storytelling
- mild horror
- suitable for teens
- disturbing content
- mixed reviews
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In the near future, the U.S. government has established THE PURGE, an annual 12-hour period during which citizens can do whatever they want, legally—even murder. The idea is for people to express their anger and cleanse their souls, resulting in unprecedented low rates of crime and violence for the rest of the year. James Sandin (Ethan Hawke) has made tons of money selling security systems to the wealthy, and as the Purge begins, he prepares to barricade himself inside with his wife, Mary (Lena Headey), and their kids, Zoey (Adelaide Kane) and Charlie (Max Burkholder). Unfortunately, Zoey's boyfriend has snuck in just before lockdown, and Charlie tries to help an unhoused man by letting him in, too. These small events lead to a terrifying standoff: James must decide whether to sacrifice one person to save himself and his family or fight and face certain death.
Is It Any Good?
This movie is clever and original and has a fascinating premise, but it may be too dark for some teens, especially younger ones. The Purge's writer-director, James DeMonaco, who previously wrote the screenplays for The Negotiator and the remake of Assault on Precinct 13, adds a new wrinkle to the "home invasion" subgenre. His idea of the futuristic "Purge" brings up many layers of ideas worth discussing. The movie is clever enough to start asking these questions right away and to make viewers implicit in the discourse. It's impossible to watch and not wonder, "What would I do?" and "Is this right or wrong?" Or, worse, "What if it's a little of both?"
The movie isn't quite as clever at its story and character level. The typical cat-and-mouse chases around the house rely on characters never looking in the right place at the right time, and it becomes clear that they're more important to the movie as representations than as sympathetic characters. Only Rhys Wakefield as a strangely polite, intelligent, grinning invader provides anything of human interest. Regardless, a movie this ambitious isn't easy to dismiss.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about The Purge's strong violence. Is the violence necessary to express the movie's point? Could it have been less violent? More? Do you think the violence is realistic?
What do you think of the idea of "the Purge"? Do you believe there's any potential truth behind the idea that it would lower crime and lessen poverty overall? What other intentions might the government have? What wider issues does it bring up?
How does the movie portray inequality? How does it show the different circumstances of the rich and the poor? Does it say anything about capitalism or exploitation?
Talk about Charlie's decision to provide shelter to the man calling for help. Do you think he was right to let him in? What are the knock-on effects of his actions? What might you have done in that situation?
Movie Details
- In theaters : June 7, 2013
- On DVD or streaming : October 8, 2013
- Cast : Ethan Hawke , Lena Headey , Rhys Wakefield
- Director : James DeMonaco
- Studio : Universal Pictures
- Genre : Horror
- Topics : Dystopia
- Run time : 85 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : strong disturbing violence and some language
- Last updated : November 4, 2026
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